Reversible shingle



Dec. 15, 1953 R. PATTERSON REVERSIBLE SHINGLE Filed May 25, 1951 WVM/m? ROBERT PATTERSON Dec. 15, 1953 Filed May 25, 1951 R. PATTERSON REVERSIBLE SHINGLE 4 sheets-sheet 2 Dec. 15, 1953 R. PATTERSON REVERSIBLE SHINGLE Filed May 25 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 /a y 27 f/ y f/ 27 j@ lz// /I' ,I/I/ 7K FIG. I4.

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///fn/fm ROBERT PATTERSON Dec. 15, 1953 R. PATTERSON 2,662,490

REVERSIBLE SHINGLE Filed May 25, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 /yf/V/d/f ROBERT PATTERSON Patented Dec. 15, 1953 REVERSIBLE SHINGLE Robert Patterson, Mem

Multi-Shingle Corpor phs, Tenn., assignor to ation,

Memphis, Tenn., a

corporation of Tennessee Application May 25, 1951, Serial No. 228,165 8 Claims. (Cl. 10S-7) This invention relates to shingles for roof or side wall coverings.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a shingle which can be applied in reverse positions to alter the pattern of the covering and to produce coverings having different weights or numbers of shingles per unit area.

It is also an object hereof to provide a shingle having means for securing or locking down the exposed portions when desired, wherein said means is employed in addition as the means for permitting rapid and accurate shingle alignment between courses thereof in a shingle covering.

Another object of this invention is to provide a shingle which has a plurality of applications, thereby making it possible to market a minimum number of shingle types, without substantially aifecting the demand for pattern variations.

It is a further object ofthe present invention to provide a shingle which may be cut from strip material with the least waste of such material and without deviating substantially from standard shingle dimensions.

The invention consists in either a single or multiple shingle body having a tab or tabs, each formed with a lug having lock-down flaps dened by cuts or slits in the lug located to serve as guides for alignment of shingles in each course or for alignment of shingles between adjacent courses, whereby to produce accurately any one of the variety of patterns or variations in the weight of shingles per unit area, all as stated in the foregoing objects.

The invention further consists in the form, parts and physical characteristics possessed by shingles, hereinafter to be more particularly described in connection with the drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a plan View of a strip or multiple tab shingle having improvements in accordance with this invention;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary similar to that of Fig. l, cation thereof;

Fig. 3 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary plan View of the shingle of Fig. l showing the tab lug having the slit or cut therein defining a lock.u down flap;

Fig. 4 is' a plan view of the shingles when laid up in a covering with the tabs directed upwardly to underlie the adjacent course of shingles;

Fig. 5 is a plan View of a shingle covering showing a different covering pattern obtained by directing the tabs of the shingles in each course in a downward exposed direction.

plan View of a shingle but disclosing a modi- Fig. 6 is a plan view similar to that of Fig. 5 showing a different shingle relationship which will reduce the weight of shingles per unit area from that of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a View similar to that of Fig. 5 showing a still further variation in the lay-up of the shingles for further reducing the weight per unit area in the covering;

Fig. 8 is a top plan View of a modified form of shingle, diiering from the shingle of Fig. 1 in the covering pattern which is produced thereby;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary plan view of a shingle similar to that of Fig. 8, but showing a modified form thereof;

Fig. 10 is a top plan view of a covering formed by the shingles shown in Fig. 8, wherein the tabs 0f each course of shingles are directed to underlying the next adjacent course of shingles;

Fig. 11 is a plan view of a shingle covering showing the shingle of Fig. 8 laid up in a manner reverse to that disclosed in connection with Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a plan view of a shingle covering similar to Fig. 1l, but disclosing a variation in the pattern of the lay-up;

Fig, 13 is a view similar to that of Fig. 12 showing a still further variation in the shingle layup over that of Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is a sectional elevation of the shingle of Fig, 8, taken along the line Illii thereof;

Fig. l5 is a further sectional elevation at the line |5|5 o f 8;

Fig. 16 is a sectional elevation taken along the line vl 6-IB of Fig. ll, clearly illustrating the lock-down feature of the shingle tab and lug;

Fig. 17 is a top plan view of a shingle of still further modified form, being that for a shingle of single tab style;

Fig. 18 is a plan View of a shingle covering employing the shingles of the style shown in Fig. 17;

Fig. 19 is a shingle covering showing a variation in the lay-up pattern from that of Fig. 18;

Fig. 20 shows a typical layout of the shingles to be cut from a length of shingle material;

Fig. 21 is a plan View of a modified shingle comparable in form to a part of the shingle shown in Fig. l;

Fig. 22 is a still further modified shingle illustrating a further possible form thereof;

Fig. 23 shows the shingle of Fig. 22 laid up in a pattern having the tabs of the overlying shingles interlocked along the margins between the tabs of the underlying course of shingles;

Fig. 24 is a still further modified shingle hav- 1,' ing the characteristics of the shingle shown in Fig. 8; and

Fig. 25 is a view showing the modified shingles of Fig. 24 laid up in a pattern in which the tabs are locked down.

Referring now in detail to Figs. i, 2 and 3, 10 designates the elongated shingle having a generally rectangular body consisting of the body portions II formed of any suitable shingle rnaterial, such as iexible composition materials er the more rigid slate materials. rIhe improved shingle IS having the generally rectangular body portions II is provided with a projecting tab l2 for each of the said portions, the length of the tab being less than the width of said elongated body. Each tab I2 is provided with a lug I3 at the outer end thereof, and the lug I3 is provided with locking flaps l at its opposite ends. The flaps are cut from the material of the shingle along the slits l5 which are directed generally inwardly obliquely toward the free margin of the lug, from the opposite side margins oi the tab.

The improved shingle Ie is formed with the elongated rectangular body portions il joined or interconnected at connective body portions i6. The body portions IB are further provided with notches or cut-outs Il opening at the longitudinal margin of the shingle IEI opposite the spaced tabs I2, each cut-out or notch I'I being located opposite a space between adjacent tabs I2 and in a generally symmetrical, staggered relation.

Each end of the strip form of the shingle is provided with a small notch ila so that in laying up the shingles in endwise spaced relation, the adjacent notches Ila may be employed to obtain rapid alignment and spacing, and to indicate a zone for the shingle nails. In Fig. 2, the shingle IDA is like that of Fig. 1, except the end is formed with a notch IB which is onehalf of a notch I'E, a notch I8 being formed also at the opposite end (not shown). Instead of the half notches I8 at each end, the shingle may have a full notch (not shown) at one end and none at the other end. Without a half or full notch at its end, the shingles are laid up with the shingles of the starting course accurately spaced to simulate the spaces Il. Thereafter the subsequent courses are aligned by cooperation of the tabs I2 and spaces between tabs. This procedure accurately spaces the shingles so that the exposure of the body portions II line up in a uniform staggered relation (Fig. 4)

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary enlargement disclosing the slit I5 which is directed inwardly obliquely toward the free margin of the lug I3 from the side margin of the tab I2. The slit I5, in this form, terminates in an enlargement 55a which provides a relief to prevent tearing of the material of the shingle when the lock-down flap I4 is displaced from the plane of the tab I2.

Referring now to Fig. 4, the shingles I3 are shown in fragmentary lay-up to illustrate a shingle covering pattern in which the greater part of the body portions I I constitute the shingle exposure. In this lay-up, the body portions II of the upper course of shingles are arranged in symmetrically staggered relation with the body portions II of the underlying course of shingles. The presently improved shingle I!! may be rapidly and accurately laid up in the pattern shown in Fig. 4 by lining up the tabs I2 of the top course in the spaces between tabs I2 ci the under course and then sliding the top course upwardly until the marginal edge '2li deiined at the inner edge of the spaces between adjacent tabs I2, registers with the outer ends of the slit lines I5 in the tabs of the underlying courses of shingles. This automatically brings the overlying shingles into such positions that the notches or cut-outs I'I are located in staggered relation and the closed end 2l of each of the cut-outs Il is substantially in underlying relation with the lower marginal edge 22 of the overlying shingle body portions.

Referring now to Fig. 5, it will be seen that the shingles I9 may be laid up in a pattern reverse to that disclosed in Fig. ll. The reverse pattern is obtained by laying up the shingles in each course with the tabs I2 thereof directed downwardly. In this covering, the tabs I2 form the shingle exposure and, as such, may be selectively arranged to produce variations in the pattern of the shingle covering which may be observed by a comparison of Figs. 5, 6 and 7. The lay-up of Fig. 5 is obtained by locating the tabs I2 of the overlying course of shingles between the tabs I2 of the underlying course so that the slits I5 are aligned with the margin 2c between the spaced tabs of the underlying course. Once the starting course of shingles has been laid properly, the subsequent shingle courses can be laid rapidly and uniformly by the guidance of the tabs and spaces and by the alignment of the slits I5 on the margins 20.

With reference to Fig. 6, it is noted that the shingles are laid up in a manner like that described ior Fig. 5, but the lock-down naps I4 have now been displaced rom the plane of the shingle to slip under the marginal edge 20 between spaced tabs I2, so that the margin 20 is now brought into the relief portion Ilia of the respective slits I5, thereby limiting the upward displacement of the overlying course of shingles relative to the underlying course. This shingle covering pattern varies from that of Fig. 5 due to the length of the exposure and the function of the lock-down flaps I4 positively uniting the adjacent shingle course to prevent the tabs I2 from curling or rolling up to expose the underlying supporting deck structure for the shingles.

In Fig. 7 the shingles of the overlying course are shown in a still further modiiied covering pattern from that of Figs. 5 and 6. In this shingle covering, the outer margin of the lugs I3 are now brought into coincidence with the inner margins 2Q of the spaces between the tabs I2. Comparing the shingle lay-up of Fig. 7 with that of Fig. 6, it is noted that, in Fig. '7, the increased spacing between adjacent courses of shingles extends the elongated appearance of the exposure.

The reversible character of the shingles I0 is simply and accurately obtained by proportioning the shingle body I I and tabs I2 so that the length a of the tabs I2 (Fig. 1) is less than the Width b of the body portions I I. The dimension b must always be greater than the dimension a to prevent exposing the shingle deck or support when laid up in the pattern of Fig. '7. Observe that in Fig, "I a maximum exposure can be obtained, while maintaining the margins 23 lapped over the body margins 22. The accuracy of the alignment between courses is obtained by maintaining the width of the tabs I2 equal to the distance between the tabs or the width of the intervening spaces, as measured along the margin 20, for example. The body portions which project lengthwise beyond the end tabs IZ are dimensioned so that two such portions when brought into endwise adjacence provide a space substantially equal to the spaces between tabs on one shingle.

Referring now to Fig. 8, a modied shingle indicated at |.0B is formed with generally rectangular and elongated body portions 24, each provided with a projecting tab 25 having at its outer margin a lug 26 provided with flaps 21 at its opposite ends. Each tab 25 is further formed with a diagonally directed margin forming an oblique ,shoulder 28 between the flap 21 and the Y margin 29 on the elongated body of the shingle. The margin 29 referred to is located between each of the tabs 25, and other marginal portions 29a are located at the opposite ends respectively of the shingle lb. Each of the flaps 21 on the lug 26 is dened by a slit or cut 36 which constitutes a rectilinear continuation of the voblique shoulder 23. The inner end of the slit 3l] terminates in a relief enlargement 3l which is similar in character to the relief shown at |`5a in Fig. 3.

The opposite longitudinal margin 32 of the body of the shingle IGB is provided with notches or cutouts 33 which are located opposite the spaces between adjacent tabs, in a generally symmetrically staggered relation. Each cut-out 33 indicates .a connective body zone 34 between the closed end 35 of the cut-out and the adjacent margin 29 of the shingle body. Shingle IGB also is provided with an alignment and nailing indication notch 33a which is similar to the notch l'la in Fig. 1.

A modification of the shingle shown in Fig. 8 is indicated at IOC in Fig. 9, wherein the shingle is provided with a half notch -St in its end Zone adjacent the margin 29a. The opposite end (not shown) is similarly formed with a half notch 36. This provision of the hall notches 38, or of a full notch in one end of the shingle and no notch or cut-out in the opposite end, is an ptional feature, as has been heretofore described in connection with the shingle modication IDA inFig. 2.

In Fig. 10, shingles of the type IBB are shown in assembly with the tabs in the starting course thereof directed to be covered by the overlying course of shingles, so that the respective body portions 24 form the exposure of the` shingle covering. In laying up shingles according to the covering pattern of Fig. 10, the rst or starting course of shingles must be accurately laid with the individual shingles positioned in spaced endwise relation in order to reproduce between the strip shingles a space or cut-out which is the equivalent lof the notches 33 in the body of the shingles. It is, furthermore, important that the starting course of shingles be properly Iand accurately laid in order to properly space the respective ta-bs 25. Thereafter, each subsequent course of shingles IBB is positioned with its tabs 25 directed between and in the same sense as the tabs of the underlying or starting course. Accuracy and rapid laying of the subsequent course of shingles is obtained by utilizing the outer Inargins 26a of each of the lugs 26 as an alignment guide for locating the oblique shoulders 23 of the tabs 25. This is accomplished by bringing the lower extremity of each oblique shoulder 28 into registry with the outer corners of the naps 2l on each of the lugs 25.

Referring now to Fig. 11, shingles of the character shown at IGB in Fig. 8 are adapted to be laid up in a pattern which reversed to that shown in Fig. l0, thereby producing a diierent covering pattern, lcommonly referred toas a hex pattern. This reverse application of shingles 10B is obtained by accurately laying and spacing the shingles in the starting or first course with the tabs 25 downwardly directed, so that each subsequent course of shingles may be rapidly and accurately laid by employing the alignment features found in the lug margins 26a and the outer extremities on the respective oblique shoulders for each tab. A covering of this character has the tabs 25 forming the exposure in the covering, but requires the same weight or number of shingles per unit area.

A further shingle covering pattern may be obtained (Fig. l2) by follow-ing the above described procedure for laying the respective shingle courses shown by Fig. 11. However, in Fig. 12, the subsequent courses of shingles are accurately and rapidly laid in an interlocked .relation with the margins 29 and 29a of the underlying courses of shingles by bringing the lugs 26 on each tab 2.5 upwardly toward the margins 29 and tucking the flaps 2l underneath the marginal edges 2t and 29a, so that the tab exposure of the overlying course of shingles is locked and thereby prevented from curling or blowing up. A shingle covering obtained by laying shingles in accordance with the disclosure of Fig. 12 has the further advantage that it requires a lesser number of shingles per unit area than a shingle covering laid up in accordance with the disclosure of Fig. 11. If it is desirable to still further reduce the weight or number of shingles per unit area ina shingle covering, the shingles ISB may be laid up in accoi-dance with the disclosure of Fig. 13. In this latter shingle covering the lugs 25 are brought into marginal alignment with the shingle `body margins 29 and 29a, thereby providing an eX- treme lateral spacing of the shingle courses for reducing the number of shingles or the weight thereof per unit area.

As was pointed out in connection with the shingle l0 of Fig. 1, the shingles IQB or ISC are rendered reversible by proportioning the shingle body portions 24 and tabs 25 so that the length a (Fig. 8) of the tabs 25 is less than the width b of the body portions 24. In like manner, the width of each lug 26 together with its flaps 27 is substantially equal to the length of a marginal edge 2S in the connective zone 34 between adjacent body portions 24, and the spacing between adjacent ilaps 21 on spaced tabs 25 is always substantially equal to the width of the tab 25 at its widest part or base Zone adjacent the body portion 24.

In addition to the locking function provided bythe ilaps 21 deiined bythe slits 3d, each of the shingles IEBB may be provided with complimentary beveled margins -on the flaps 2'! and on the tabs 25. Reference will now be directed to Fig. 14, wherein the lug 2t is shown provided at the opposite marginal portions of the iiaps 2l with beveled edges Each of the beveled edges 378 on the respective naps l is directed upwardly so that it may be clearly Aseen from the composition side of the shingle. Fig. 15 is a section taken across the base zone of a shingle tab 25 showing its opposite margins formed with bevels 3S which are directed downwardly or away from the outer composition side of the shingle. Referring now to Fig. 1.6, which is a sectional view taken in Fig. ll, the lugs 26 of the overlying course of shingles are pushed down substantially into the plane of the underlying course of shingles to bring the beveled margins 3B of the lugaps 27 into abutment with the downwardly beveled margins 39 of the adjacent tabs 25. This particular feature of beveling the respective margins of the flaps 21 and of the parallel sides of the tabs 25 permit a rapid interlocking of the lugs 2E when the shingles are laid up in a covering according to the pattern disclosed in connection with Fig. 1l. The complementary beveled margins 38 and 39 may be employed independently of the locking flaps 21 or they may be combined with the flaps 21, or reliance may be placed on the action of the flaps 21 Without resort to beveled edges such as those shown at 38 and 39.

Referring now to Fig. 11 a shingle of individual character, as distinguished from shingles of the above described strip type, is shown at 40. This modified individual shingle possesses the general characteristics of the shingle IBB in that the length a of the tab 4I is always less than the Width b of the body portion 42. The tab is provided at its outer margin with a lug 43 having flaps 44 at its opposite ends deiined by slits 45 which are linear continuations of the oblique shoulder 46. Except for differences in dimensions and angles, the shingle 4Q is laid up in a covering pattern according to Fig. 18 which is similar to the shingle covering pattern disclosed in connection with Fig. ll. Rapid and accurate alignment of the individual shingles 4i) in such a covering pattern is obtained by the cooperation afforded through the lug flaps 44 and the oblique shoulders 46 on the tabs 4I. It is noted that the starting course of shingles 4G must be slightly spaced to provide a gap which will be carried into all the courses, so that the shingles throughout the covering will not buckle, due to thermal eX- pansion eiects. If the shingles 4G are desired to be locked in place, they may be laid up in accordance with the covering pattern disclosed in Fig. 19, wherein the flaps 44 are brought into locked relation with the respective margins S1 of the shingle body portion 42 at each side of the tab 4l. In the locked covering pattern of Fig. 19, the shingle courses are relatively more spread out than those according to the pattern of Fig. 18 and, therefore, a lesser number of shingles is necessary per unit area. 'I'he decrease in number of shingles does not substantially sacriiice the protective covering to be obtained. If a still further reduction in the number of shingles per unit area is desired for a light weight covering, the shingles 40 may be laid up with the outer margins of the lugs 43 aligned with the margins 41 of the shingle body 42. The resulting pattern (not shown) will closely approach that Shown by Fig. 13, for shingles IBB.

Referring to Fig. 2'1, the modified form of the shingle 40A is similar dimensionally to the shingle of Fig. 1'1. The essential difference resides in the form of the tab MCL, it being noted that the tab is rectangular and is provided with an outer lug 43a having the flaps 44aI at its opposite ends. It is also noted that the width b of the body 42a of the shingle is greater than the length a of the tab 45a. This relationship is necessary in order to render the shingle reversible in character. Also, the width of the tab 4Ia is onehalf the length of the body 42a and is located substantially the same distance from each end so that the margins 41a are together the same length as the Width of the tab Ala.

In Fig. 22, the modified shingle IOD is similar to the shingle ID with the small notches Ha omitted, the eby giving the shingle ISD a flush end margin. The parts of the shingle IiD are in other respects similar to those described for Fig. 1, therefore the same reference numerals have been applied to this modified shingle. Here again, the width b of the shingle body is greater than the length a of the shingle tab. Shingles of the type IUD are shown laid up in a locked down pattern in connection with Fig. 23. The shingles of each overlying course are laid up on the shingles of the underlying course with the flaps I4 locked into the margins 220 so that the tabs I2 are securely locked down into the body margin of the underlying course of shingles. Accurate laying of the shingles in the overlying courses is obtained, after the first course thereof has been properly laid, by locating the lugs I3 and the flaps I4 thereof between the tabs I2 of the underlying course of shingles.

In Fig. 24, the shingle IEE is similar in character to the shingle of Fig. 8, however the shingle of Fig. 24 is not provided with the small notches 33a at its opposite end margins. The shingles ISE are shown laid up in an interloclred pattern in Fig. 25 which is similar to the lay-up of the shingle shown in Fig. l2. Since the shinglcs NE and ISB are similar with the exception of the small notches 33a, the same reference numerals have been applied to the shingle IUE as appear in connection with the shingle shown in Fig. 8. "it is again pointed out that the width b or the shingle body is greater than the length a of the shingle tabs in order to render the shingles reversible in character.

A further advantage to be obtained from shingies of the character above described resides in the economy of producing the shingles Ill, IDA. iB and SGC in strip form, or shingle 40 in individual form, from rolled lengths or sheets of rcong material. A typical example for shingles 4@ is shown in connection with Fig. 20, wherein a length or roofing material, shown in fragmentary view only, is cut by suitable means (not shown) to provide shingle strips four wide across the Width of the material, without producing any substantial waste of the material. The out lines on this length or" material are designated in accordance with the maginal portions heretofore described in Fig. 1 7. In order to permit the multiple production of shingles from a sheet or strip, the shingles must have complementary spaces and tabs, so that the tabs for one row of shingles will nest or t into the spaces between the tabs for an adjacent row of shingles.

It can now be appreciated that the form of the shingle herein disclosed permits it to be applied in a reversible manner without difficulty and without sacrificing any covering protection by so doing. The present shingles combine with their reversibility a locking feature which increases the utility thereof. Heretofore, shingles have been made with locking elements which were arranged to lock into the side margins of the underlying shingle butts or Shanks. This is a preferred prior locking arrangement and it makes it impossible to apply the shingles in a reverse pattern. Thus, in prior shingle forms which are capable of being reversed, no provision could be incorporated to obtain the locking feature, and resort was always had to separate clips or like devices. Shingles made according to the disclosure herein made have both reversibility and lockability, which is a distinct advantage.

The character of the present improved shingle has been disclosed in connection with certain preferred and modiiied shingles, and it is obvious that changes and variations will come to mind after the invention is understood. Therefore it is intended to include all of these changes and variations within the scope of the present invention, as the same may be deiined by the claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A shingle comprising an elongated rectangular body, an integral tab formed on a longer side of said body between exposed free marginal portions of said longer side, the length of said tab being less than the width of said elongated body, and a lug on the outer portion of said tab having a free outer margin including aps at its opposite ends defined by slits out inwardly from the opposite sides of said tab obliquely toward the free margin of said lug, the length of said outer margin of said lug being substantially equal to the combined length of said exposed free marginal portions of said body.

2. A shingle consisting of an elongated body, a tab on said body having a length less than the width ci said body, and a lug at the outer margin of said tab having haps at its opposite ends dened by slits directed inwardly obliquely from the tab sides toward the outer tab margin, each iap having a beveled edge and the tab sides having beveled edges inwardly of said flaps, the beveled edges of said ilaps being oppositely directed relative to said tab side beveled edges.

3. A shingle comprising an elongated body, tabs projecting from a longer side of said body in spaced relation to expose free marginal portions alternating with said tabs, the length of each tab being less than the width of said elongated body, a lug on the outer portion of each said tab having a free outer margin including liaps at its opposite ends dei-ined by slits cut inwardly from the opposite margins oi said tabs obliquely toward the free outer margin of said lug the length of said outer margin of said lugs each being substantially equal to the length of the exposed free marginal portion between adjacent tabs.

a. The shingle of claim 3, wherein said lug and flaps have a length less than the greatest width of said tabs to provide oblique shoulders on said tabs, said shoulders having an edge which is a rectilinear continuation of said slits.

5. A shingle covering made up of a plurality of shingles laid in parallel courses, each lof said shingles having an elongated body, a tab projecting from a longer side of the body between exposed free marginal portions thereof, the length of said tab being less than the width of said body, and a lug on the outer portion of said tab having a free outer margin including ilaps at its opposite ends deiined by slits directed inwardly from the opposite margins of said tab and obliquely toward said straight outer free margin, the shingles in each subsequent course of the covering being laid up on the previous course in staggered lapped relation, the length of said iree outer margin of said lug being substantially equal to the spacing between the tabs in each course whereby said lug and slits cooperate to guide the laying of said shingles.

6. A shingle covering comprising a plurality of similar shingles arranged in parallel courses, each shingle having an elongated body, a tab on said body extending outwardly from a longer side margin thereof between the ends of the margin, said tab having a length less than the body width, and a lug on the outer end of said tab margin having a free outer margin including locking ilaps at its ends defined by slits directed inwardly obliquely toward said outer free margin from the opposite margins thereof, the shingles in the covering having the locking iiaps on the shingles in one course thereof engaged with the said longer side margin of the shingle body of the shingles in the adjacent course thereof, the inner closed ends of said slits engaging the said longer side margins inwardly of the adjacent tabs.

7. A shingle comprising an elongated body, a plurality of tabs extending outwardly from one longer side margin of said body in spaced relation to expose side marginal portions between said tabs substantially equal in length to the width of the adjacent tabs, the length of each tab being less than the width of said elongated body, a lug on the outer end of each tab, each lug having a straight outer free margin substantially equal in length to the length of the exposed side marginal portions between said tabs and the length of said straight margin being equal to the length of said lug including naps formed at the opposite ends of said lug by slits cut inwardly from the opposite lengthwise margins of said tab and obliquely toward said straight outer free margin.

8. A shingle covering comprising a plurality of similar shingles laid in parallel courses, each of said shingles having an elongated body, a plurality of tabs extending outwardly from a longer side margin of said body in spaced relation to expose side marginal portions between said tabs substantially equal in length to the width or the adjacent tabs, a lug on the outer end of each tab, each lug having a straight outer free margin substantially equal in length to the length of the exposed side marginal portions between said tabs and the length of said straight margin being equal .to the length of said lug including flaps formed at the opposite ends of said lug by slits out inwardly from the opposite lengthwise margins of said tab and obliquely toward said straight outer free margin, the shingles in each overlying course thereof being guided into lapped relation with the shingles of the underlying course by registering the outer ends of said iap defining slits in the tabs of the shingles in one shingle course with the said exposed side marginal portions between the tabs of the shingles in the adjacent shingle course.

ROBERT PATTERSON.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

